Mother, 25, dies in tragic horse riding accident at equestrian centre (2025)

A 'beautiful' mother has died while warming up for a horse riding event at an equestrian centre she had trained at for years.

Mother-of-one Katie Hacce, 25, was preparing for an event at Little Mill Equestrian Centre in Camarthen when she fell from a horse in the warm-up area on Saturday morning.

Emergency services rushed to the centre to try and save Katie, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner, Dyfed Powys Police said.

Tracey Campbell, Katie's mother, said she has been left 'heartbroken' by the tragedy.

'With sadness our day was impacted with the news that anyone should not go through,' she said.

'Our beautiful daughter was involved in a horse riding accident and has passed away and we are both heartbroken at this time.'

Katie's uncle, Mike Fussell, said his niece 'had a fall off a horse which caused a life threatening injury'.

'Unfortunately after working tirelessly for over 90 minutes, the fantastic efforts of the paramedics to revive her failed because she didn't respond to any treatment and Katie lost her battle to survive,' he added.

'We would like to thank everyone that was involved and the owners and staff at Little Mill Equestrian Centre, the ambulance paramedics and staff at Carmarthen hospital who have all been so awesome in trying their very best in such a tragic incident and a sad and a difficult situation.

'The family and friends of Katie and indeed anyone that knew her would agree that she was a well loved member of our family and in her circle of friends.

'RIP our beloved Katie you will always be in our hearts and minds.'

Katie was described as 'just the nicest person' by her friends.

Following her death, the west Wales equestrian centre, where Katie had ridden for years, said: 'We are all heartbroken and in shock as to what happened.

'Our hearts go out to Katie's family. She was such a lovely person and what a pleasure it was to see her ride here at Little Mill over the years.

'We simply cannot put into words how we are all feeling.

'I'm reminded that even on a quiet day doing the sport you all love there is risk involved and we do everything we can to ensure people's safety.

'We would like to extend our thanks to our first aiders who worked tirelessly until the paramedics and the Welsh air ambulance service arrived.

'We ask if Katie's family may be given privacy and respected in this truly difficult time.'

A Dyfed Powys Police statement read: 'Police were called to an incident at Little Mill Equestrian Centre on Saturday, April 12, at around 10.20am.

'Sadly, a 25-year-old woman died at the scene. Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.

'The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for H.M Coroner.

'A referral has been made to the local authority Health and Safety department.'

Wales

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